World Cup round of 16: Brazil secure last-minute win over Japan

Gabriel Martinelli scored in the fifth minute of added time after 90 minutes to lead Brazil to a comeback 2-1 victory over Japan 2-1 in the 2026 FIFA round of 32 match at the Houston stadium. The Selecao and Blue Samurai were evenly matched until Martinelli netted the winner to claim a comeback win that […]

Gabriel Martinelli scored in the fifth minute of added time after 90 minutes to lead Brazil to a comeback 2-1 victory over Japan 2-1 in the 2026 FIFA round of 32 match at the Houston stadium.

The Selecao and Blue Samurai were evenly matched until Martinelli netted the winner to claim a comeback win that shattered Japanese hearts.

It is the first time Brazil has scored a 90+ minute stoppage-time winning goal in the knockout rounds of a FIFA World Cup.

Victory also preserved Brazil’s winning record over Asian nations in the tournament, a shattered Japan winless in five knockout matches their latest victim.

Japan were the better side in the first half and Kaishu Sano put them in the lead on 29 minutes after a misplaced Brazil pass, and his low shot into the bottom corner crept beyond Allisson Becker into the net.

Carlo Ancellotti’s wards improved in the second half and Casemiro put them back level on 56 minutes with a header at the back post from Gabriel Magalhães’ cross.

Both sides went in search of the winning goal without breakthrough, as Zion Suzuki produced an excellent stop to deny Vinicius Jr. and with seconds to extra-time, Martinelli scored the goal that broke Japan’s hearts.

The Arsenal forward controlled a Bruno Guimaraes pass after Brazil intercepted a pass, and the winger slotted into the bottom corner despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to it.

The Seleção have now successfully advanced into the round of 16 phase in every single World Cup edition since it was introduced in 1986. They will meet either Norway or Ivory Coast in the last-eight stage.